Huge thanks to Kemo for taking the time to answer the questions. (Interview was done by in person in February of 2005)

Questions asked by: LatinaBeatz

Check out the official Kemo The Blaxican website: Here

dubcnn.com: Everyone knows you as Kemo from Delinquent Habits. Now you go by Kemo "The Blaxican" Solo Artist. What are the differences and similarities from going to a group to being the main one?

Most people that followed DH knew me as Kemo the Blaxican. The thing is that now you need to ad the word formerly into the phrase. I’m still banging out tracks writing songs and making records. I still make music for the masses with the intent to uplift and transcend boundaries. The biggest difference now is that I hit more of the topics I thought needed addressing and also handled the production on the album. Basically, I busted out some chains, cut the dead wait and made moves.


dubcnn.com: You got a new album out named "Simple Plan" what made you want to do a solo project?

Sometimes you know you’ve got more to give, a more vivid picture to paint but have not enough time or colors to work with. A solo album seemed to be the only way for me to get that canvas painted up with a fresh coat.


dubcnn.com: Everyone wants to know why you went solo, there's allot of conflicting stories, Why did u go solo? And will you ever return or do anything in the future with Delinquent Habits? Set the story straight

Yeah, I been hearing stories here and there about things people have been posting up on message boards and all kind of bullshit coming out the side of peoples necks. It makes me laugh most the time cuz anytime when you're doing good for yourself people are always going to try and drag you down to there own miserable level. I heard people on these sites go so far as to insult DH fans by trying to tell them that I was never really in the group and it was only two members to begin with and I didn’t have much to do with anything the group accomplished and dumb shit like that. You know the kind of thing haters say in desperation.

Truth is DH had two DJ/producers and one MC till I came through. That was OG Style, DJ Trixx and Ives. They had been a group for a short while (almost three months) before I met up with Ives and he asked me to record a song with them. That’s when we became a group and soon after the group became 3, OG Ives and Me. We got our first deal in 92, got dropped twice and didn’t release shit till 96 (Tres Delinquentes) “Delinquent Habits” the first album. We dropped three more albums after that one and I laced it with the only real Spanish not written by ghostwriters. Anyone thinking that a true fan of DH is going to believe the bullshit going around these message boards must be on crack. “Tres Delinquentes” blew up and all three of us did our thang but when you think of that song the lyrics that first come to mind are the first four bars of the second verse.

“Que Hondas mucho ai bienes te miro,
si me tries bronca me enloco de a tiro,
me paro te tumbo no es tu rumbo,
y con el lingo tal ves te confundo”

There were lots of factors to my leaving the group, and I’m not one to put out the dirty laundry for all to see. Let’s just say it was time, it was necessary in order for me to expand, and there were creative and business differences. Something was trying to stifle me there. I had to go. I said peace. I have no plans of working with DH in the future. I just took a big breath of fresh air. Things are great. I’m crazy busy.


dubcnn.com: Back with DH. Did u always want to venture out on your own project?

When I was in DH early on, I always envisioned a solo album. A “Blaxican” solo was bound to drop either way. I wasn’t thinking to leave the group back then; I was just going to do a solo. Like Meth and the Wu, I keep evolving, learning and taking the talent I have to the next level. Rising UP and away from a hate infested environment.


dubcnn.com: What do u want people to get from your new album Simple Plan? How would you describe to people who haven't heard it yet?

I want people to get lifted and take a lyrical trip with this record. The beats will get you there the lyrical content will bring you back again. I describe it as a thought provoking hip-hop recorded with a moody head banging vibe. There is something for all hip-hop heads to get into and you don’t have to be bilingual to feel it. It just so happens that if you are bilingual, it’s even better.


dubcnn.com: How many tracks?

The album has 24 bangin tracks on it but only 16 of those are songs. The others are intros or skits.


dubcnn.com: Who is featured on Simple Plan?

On this album you’ll find some dope MC’s and vocalist doing some real nice work over a few of the tracks. Sicko, Jehuniko, Most, Monomaniac, Monica, and Grisel. They are all working on projects of their own with plans of dropping their albums soon. I hope to be able to release them all on Dead Silence. Jehuniko’s album is coming real soon and you can check one of my sites for details. His shit is going to blow people away. Just wait.


dubcnn.com: How many singles are being released? Any videos commen out?

I released one single so far and its called “La Receta” The B side was called Simple Plan and features Monica on the hook. We shot a video to “La Receta” and it’s been getting rotation on Mun2, LaTV, MTV Latino, MTV Espanol, and other networks and shows. Matt Hamrick directed it and did some editing with the footage that rivals anything big budget videos I’ve seen.

There is something about going 100% Indie and getting your stuff played and sold on the streets and chains too, that makes all the hard work worth it. This is Dead Silence Records, and we’re getting this thing done. Relentless. Dead Silence Record is currently working on releasing a second single soon to come with a video to follow.


dubcnn.com: Is there a follow up in the works? What can we look forward to?

The production to the next album is already on its way. I don’t want to give to much detail on that at the moment so let’s just say it won’t be out till it’s near perfect.


dubcnn.com: In the past you have worked with artists from the underground kings like Sick Jacken of The Psycho Realm, to East Coast like Big Pun and many others, so now who would u love to work with?

There are a few artists that I would like to work with plus I would like to collaborate on more songs with some of the peeps I’ve worked with already. Sometimes it’s about timing. Just have to see what comes next you know?


dubcnn.com: What is your opinion of Latin Hip Hop today; do you see a difference from when you started?

In my opinion the Latino Hip Hop game has evolved at a rapid rate. A big part of it being not only the greater presence of Rap en Espanol, Urban Regional stuff Like Akwid and David Rolas, but Reaggeton and music from other Spanish Speaking countries Like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Argentina and others. The front line of all that is all the pioneering groups that did their thing in the mid 80’s and early to mid 90’s to the groups doing their thing now. When people talk about Latin Hip Hop and it’s evolution they should credit groups and artist like, Kid Frost, Cypress Hill, Mellow Man Ace, Lighter Shade of Brown, Proper Dos, Funkdoobiest, Big Pun, Tony Touch, Psycho Realm, Fat Joe, The Beatnuts, Kinto Sol, In 2 Deep, my former group Delinquent Habits and others I may have left out. Cats get all caught up with themselves and act like they can’t credit other Latinos that might have influenced them in some form or another. You may or may not have liked all those groups but all those groups have been instrumental in taking Hip Hop and Latinos in Hip Hop to where we are now.

The stuff I’m feeling most is the Hip Hop that stays true to the art. I think it’s good to evolve and introduce new elements and sounds to the genre but it’s important to keep the basic fundamentals in the mix. Too much trendy bullshit is out.


dubcnn.com: What/Who are your musical influences?

My musical influence would range from artist like the late Curtis Mayfield and Jimmy Hendrix, Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, NWA, to the Beasti Boys. Really I’m open to good music and can still be influenced by new stuff I hear. Something’s you see or hear spark an idea that aint even close to what you heard but somehow it cleared some view to an Idea you hadn’t noticed before.


dubcnn.com: When referring to yourself as THE BLAXICAN, have u ever felt the heat on either side, coming from 2 very strong backgrounds, especially in the hip hop community?

There were times when I was growing up that I experienced racism. It wasn’t often but when it did go down I never let it bring me down. At an early age I was taught that I was blessed with two backgrounds rich with history, culture and spirit. I live my life that way. As for the Hip Hop community it’s been all love.


dubcnn.com: While your album is Heat! You also got other projects; Your own label Dead Silence Records explain a little bit bout that and the difference between DSR and Dead Silence Alliance is?

Dead Silence Records the record company I created to launch my solo album and albums of others to come. Like I mentioned Jehuniko is next on deck with more to come from Sicko, Most, and others that are working on their projects too. A compilation album is something you all can expect soon to come. Dead Silence Alliance is a unit, a squad of artist mc’s/ producers on the label or closely associated with DSR, banding together and taking strides toward a mutual goal. It’s the family within the company. Soldados united.


dubcnn.com: Are you featured on any of their tracks?

I’m on two of Jehu’s tracks (While in handcuffs and Last day in paradise) and produced 5 songs on the record too.


dubcnn.com: Are you open to new talent? If someone was interested in being apart of your label how can they contact you.

I’m always open to new talent for the label. The main thing I look for now is that they got their A game going. You know solid production, lyrics, originality and a driving force to succeed.


dubcnn.com: With all that you got going on with your music, you also got the hot clothing line which is a personal favorite of mine, called Joint Clothing. Explain a little bit about the name and style, anything for us females?

I created Joint Clothing in 1998. It’s a universal urban clothing line for all of us. We make hats, beanies, t-shirts, hoodies, and other gear for men and yes joint dames too. The designs are as diverse as our name and cool for all kinds of peeps. We’re all in this Joint together and that’s how we roll.


dubcnn.com: How can we check out Joint Clothing?

The sure shot is to hit our website up. www.JointClothing.com. You can place orders there, check out firme pics and everything. Just hit us up.


dubcnn.com: Where can we get the new album, and what radio stations should we contact?

You can pick Simple Plan at any FYE store like Warehouse Records, Norwalk Records, Arons Records, Amoeba records, Stax in Cerritos and San Diego and all them mom and pop shops across the states. You can also hit up the site www.KemotheBlaxican.com and buy downloads at www.misrolas.com. If you want to hear my cuts on radio, you could hit any radio station that plays Hip Hop. Tell them you want to hear “La Receta” or “ Simple Plan” hell tell them you want to hear some Psycho Realm some Jehuniko, Malverde or Kinto Sol. Tell them to play some Krazy Race or Global City or that you’re going boycott them eventually. At least here in LA, can radio play the voice of some of people that make up there largest listing audience?


dubcnn.com: How can you be contacted?

www.KemoTheBlaxican.com and www.JointClothing.com


dubcnn.com: Recently you were the headliner for many shows, including the most recent this February at The Tsunami Project at the Conga Room in L.A., and at the Latin Hip Hop Tour that same night, Is there any shows you got coming up we should know about?

I’m looking forward to the fundraising concert with Psycho Realm coming up at the Staple Center and the Latin Rap tour. The dates are still not locked, but check my site and it’ll be posted. Dead Silence Records is also working on a Latin Hip Hop Tour in Europe. All the Latin Hip Hop LA has to offer is something Europe needs a taste of.


dubcnn.com: Any Television appearances? Dvds? Compilations? Tours?

There will be a feature on American Latino on ABC that I did this month. One of my Joints will also be on your SGV/ D.J. Warrior Mix tape, as well as cuts from Jehu and Mostro feat Sicko. Imperial Latinos featuring a new solo jam and collaboration track with Psycho Realm, which should launch sooner or later. High Times is another compilation album to look forward to. DJ Paybacks next compilation will be featuring one of my favorite new cuts not found on my album. So be on the look out for next DJ Payback mix. I’ll be hooking up with Cultura Londres on a track in the near future. And with all that I’m still not done. I’m always on the move and have more to come.


dubcnn.com: Is there anything you want to do besides music? Any ventures you want to seek out?

There are some other things I want to venture into you know. It’s also on the creative side of things. I’m into movies and would like to get into the biz of making them. I’ve written two movie scripts and plan on releasing one of them on independent film once I get a hold of some extra time.


dubcnn.com: Kemo you always got mad love from me and everyone at Dubcnn! Thank you for taking the time for this Interview! We wish you the best of luck in all you do. Are there any last comments, shot outs, links you want to give?

A mad shout to Brooklyn and shortcake. the Dead Silence Alliance Family   Jehuniko,Mostro,Sicko,Monomaniac,Monica,La Krazy,Tomas Cookamn, John Anderson, Vicki Cabildo, Renzo Diva, J-Dubs and Alicia Monslave. Mi familia in Cali and Texas. I thank you LatinaBeats & Dubcnn and madcap to all the fans, artists, and soldiers over the years that have supported my music then and now.